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Once more Muharram has come, and the hearts of free men
incline toward Hussain (PBUH), the son of Ali (PBUH), and their eyes are fixed
upon Ashura, the event which took place more than 1300 years ago. Even after
such a long passage of time, not only Shiite Muslims are attracted to this
event, but all Muslims and other free believers. Why the remembrance of Imam
Hussain (PBUH) is tied so much to Muharram? Why hasn’t Ashura faded from
history after a passage of 13 centuries? Why do Muslims gather every year to
mourn for Hussain (PBUH) and his companions? And why hasn’t this event faded
into history like thousands of other events that have long been forgotten?
These are some of the questions that might come up while one is thinking about
this event. In this article we want to briefly investigate the concept of the
eternal message of Imam Hussain’s (PBUH) uprising (Qiam). After 13 centuries,
should we maintain the remembrance of Ashura, or was it an event that belonged
only to a specific period of history? Is the reviewing and renewal of such an
event only a sensational and illogical act?

Since a long passage of time has not caused Ashura to be
forgotten, is it possible that this event will be forgotten by the next
generations?

The first thing that comes to mind while studying and
considering the event of Ashura, is its non-material motive. Hussain the son of
Ali (PBUT) was not only aware that he would be defeated, but he had also been
informed that he would be martyred and that his family would be captured. Both
the Great Prophet (PBUH&HP) and Imam Ali (PBUH), who had a special
knowledge of certain future events, had made such predictions. Many people
tried to stop him, but he saw it as his divine duty to keep the religion and
the Prophet’s (PBUH&HP) Sunnah alive. Now is it reasonable to say that the
motive of his uprising was to gain a powerful position and governorship? An
uprising, which from its beginning coincided with great hardships and
eventually resulted in the martyrdom of all its participants?

On the contrary! The divine motive of Imam Hussain (PBUH) and
his companions is observed in each moment of the event of Ashura: While each
companion tried to precede the other in becoming martyred, while his
six-month-old infant son passes away, while Imam Hussain (PBUH) devotes all his
existence to Allah (SWT), and while in the last moments of his life he says:
“O! My Lord I am content with what You have destined; I have submitted to
Your will; There is no one worthy of worship other than You.”

Consider these verses of the Holy Quran: “Everyone on it
(the earth), is destined to perish – And there remains the Face of your Lord,
which is full of glory and honor.” (55: 26, 27) These verses are saying
that when everything else has been destroyed, Allah (SWT) remains and bestows
eternity to the people who join Him. The believers, who all of their aspects of
live have connected with Allah (SWT), are considered to be eternal like their
unique Creator. It is obvious that such an event would never fade or be
forgotten, because in each moment of the event, it has tied and joined with
Allah (SWT), Who is the only one who will not perish.

The divine motive of Ashura was the pure motive of obtaining
closeness to Allah (SWT). Thus the goals of this uprising were in accordance
with and consistent with the unchangeable nature of the human. So it would be
impossible for man to one day forget that he wants to be free from every
cruelty. It is impossible that one day man would forget to love his Creator.
Therefore, we can conclude that man’s nature would not let him/her forget this
event, even after 13 centuries. Man will remember this event until the end of
his life.

The extent of the influences of this uprising is so vast, not
only Imam Hussain’s (PBUH) followers were influenced by it, but all the free
men of the world. As far as the deep and vast influence of such an event
exists, the remembrance of Imam Hussain (PBUH) and his companions is alive.

From what was briefly mentioned, we obviously deduce that
forgetting such an event is impossible. Now the question is this: Do we really
need to study this event today? What can this event mean for the man living in
the 21st century? What results would it have for modern-day life?

Since the early days Islam’s main objective was to give
freedom to mankind from tyranny and oppression. Therefore, those who saw their
interests in danger with the rise of Islam, started to oppose Islam in any
possible way. However, through the strong leadership of Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH&HP) and his divine assistance, the religion was protected against
dangers posed by infidels and polytheists. Because of Islam, Muslims were able
to identify the polytheists as the real enemy of their religion and never
compromised in defending their religion.

When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) passed away, the enemies
changed their technique. They gradually changed the religion and introduced
superstitions. Many who were really enemies of Islam professed to be Muslims,
but they were really hypocrites. The hypocrisy of enemies worked well for them.
They succeeded in reaching key positions in government, but this time they
carried religious titles. They were able to do things that they could not do when
the Prophet was alive. As time passed, they were able to make more changes to
Islam. The situation was getting worse until the fiftieth year after Prophet
Muhammad’s (PBUH&HP) demise. At that time a character named
“Yazid” declared himself as “Amir al-Mu’minin” (Master of
the believers) – the successor to the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HP) and to Allah
(SWT). After that Yazid took control of the Muslims and demanded that his
orders be followed as a part of the religion. In other words, he thought of himself
as a God-like man. One of his orders, to fire on the Ka’ba with a catapult, had
to be followed without question. At such a period of time, Imam Hussain (PBUH)
came to the scene to rejuvenate the true Islam with his clear insight. He came
to purge the religion from superstitions and whatever the hypocrites had added
to it. This is why it is said: “Imam Hussain’s sacrifices kept Islam
alive.” The Great Prophet of Islam once said of his grandson:
“Hussain is of me and I am of Hussain.”

However, the uprising of Imam Hussain (PBUH) is not limited
to a one day battle between a minority of pious men and a majority of wrong
believers and oppressors. This uprising has an everlasting divine message for
humanity that can be used at all times. The utilization of this message leads
to freedom for all mankind from oppression and tyranny and eventually getting
closer to Allah (SWT).

The enemies of Islam are continuously attacking it in this
century as well. They know very well that the only way to defeat Islam is to
alter the core principles. Hence, we truly need to understand the message which
Imam Hussain’s (PBUH) uprising bears with it. The message can help to protect
the true Islam which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) brought for the whole
world. We need to protect our beliefs from fake concepts and forged information
and provide the elements of the “justice-for-all” government of
al-Mahdi (PBUH) which is promised to us in Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH&HP)
tradition. In fact, the uprising of Imam Hussain (PBUH) draws the border between
right and wrong and rejuvenates the spiritual nature of mankind which has died
in our era as a result of materialism. Therefore, the need for this message
with such results has increased.

Moreover, an Infallible Imam completes the religion of Allah
(SWT). Whether he fights or makes peace, accepts or denies an issue, all are
done in accordance to the rules of the Holy Quran and the traditions of the
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP). Islam is not just limited to a certain period
of time. The concepts of Islam can be found in the Holy Quran, the Prophet’s
traditions and the teaching and actions of the Imams (PBUH). The concepts of
Islam are practical for every Muslim during his lifetime. It is important to
understand the true human needs at every period of time and find appropriate
solutions by applying religion in our lives. According to the narration of
al-Thaqalayn from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP): “Imam and Quran are
alike.” The Holy Quran contains deep meanings, and the more one thinks
about them, the more he can benefit. The character and deeds of the Imam are
like verses of the Holy Quran; the more one deliberates, the more he
understands.

The event of Ashura
also supports this statement. It was a decision of Imam Hussain (PBUH), and he
acted upon it. The culture of Ashura has remained a basis and principle for the
culture of Shiism. A clear revision of this culture can bear a new message and
a new insight. Therefore, if the event of Ashura were not a link in the chain
of Islam, this chain would have been broken in two, and its followers would
have fallen into a deep hole of ignorance and superstitions prevalent at the
time. The rise of Imam Hussain (PBUH) has removed ignorance from Islam during
the past and for the future; otherwise, Islam would have been altered many
times during history.

As it was mentioned
earlier, the uprising of Imam Hussain (PBUH) has not only affected the Shiite
Islamic societies, but also people of other faiths. We will review some of the
important social and individual effects of this movement in the following
paragraphs.

I – Social Effects

The uprising of Imam Hussain (PBUH) and his companions caused
a significant effect on the Islamic community of that time as well as those of
later centuries. Some of the social effects are:

Ø Removal of Ignorance:

In many narrations and scripts for pilgrimages (Ziarat), the
most important social message of this movement is considered to be
“fighting against ignorance in the society and people’s unawareness.”
The tyrants of that time had done everything to diminish the limits between
right and wrong, and Imam Hussain (PBUH) intended to redefine that for the
society. This movement not only caused a general awareness in Islamic
communities, but also enlightened the non-Muslim communities as well. For
instance, some of the representatives of non-Muslim counties in Yazid’s palace
and some of the monks were deeply affected and eventually were guided on the
right path. Indeed, the guidance which is a result of this uprising is still in
place and leads many free men to the right path. Further, the martyrdom of Imam
Hussain (PBUH) and his companions proves the trueness of Islam. The first goal
of the movement of Ashura is to bring about awareness in people of reasonable
thoughts and behaviors. Obviously if this movement were based exclusively on
emotions and taking advantage of people’s emotions, then it would not encourage
people to refer to their intellect, and it would not lead to general awareness
in society.

Ø A General Uprising:

There were a number of uprisings after the movement of Ashura
(both in that period of time and in later years) against oppression and tyranny
of governments. Among them, the uprising of the people of Medina was one of the
most important ones. Those who started the movement were not thinking about
victory, but they decided to stand against tyranny as a social duty. There were
other Islamic and non-Islamic movements in later years which had the teachings
of Karbala in mind. Moreover, there were many religious and non-religious
uprisings throughout history which had set their goal to fight against
oppression. But most of them had affected their own period of time and not
further; or they had taken advantage of people’s emotions and were later
forgotten. On the contrary, the event of Ashura was not limited to a few years
after its taking place; it affected societies from the first day until the
present time. Further, the motivation of this movement was divine, unlike other
uprisings, and therefore, it calls upon people to rise up against oppression
based on divine values and human principles.

Ø An Uprising Only for the Sake of Allah Almighty (SWT) :

Obviously, the most important and ultimate effect of Imam
Hussain’s (PBUH) uprising, whether socially or individually, is only to act for
the sake of Allah Almighty (SWT). Imam Hussain (PBUH) sacrificed all he had for
Allah (SWT). He did not even consider victory at the battlefield as a condition
to rise up against the oppressive government.

He told his companions and family on the night before the
battle (the night of Ashura) that: “These people have animosity only for
me; you can take advantage of the dark and leave. Know that whosoever stays
here will be killed tomorrow.” Furthermore, in the hardest condition of
the day of Ashura, Imam Hussain (PBUH) said: “This is easy for me because
Allah is watching me.”

II – Individual Effects

The uprising of Imam Hussain (PBUH) affects every individual
and constructs a practical path for social improvements. Some of the most
important individual improvements are:

Ø To practice the commands of Allah (SWT) and to abandon sin:

Whoever benefits from the event of Ashura in any way will
receive a sensation of obedience toward Allah (SWT) and a unique pleasure in
submission to His command. Furthermore, even the act of committing a sin will
appear ugly and unpleasant to that individual. However, the extent to which an
individual leaves his sinful behavior depends upon his individual capacity for
understanding the event of Ashura and Imam Hussain’s (PBUH) movement. This fact
can be seen through individual experiences.

Ø Freedom:

After so many years, one of the quotes of Hussain (PBUH) is
still remembered – “If you do not believe in religion, at least be free in
your world.” This saying invites the whole world to practice freedom. The
message of Hussain (PBUH) continues, and his followers reject submission to
oppression. Freedom from enslavement by tyrants or any one except Allah (SWT)
is one of the points of Imam Hussain’s (PBUH) revolution that can be used to
realize the true values of Islam in this day and time. Hence, those who are in
love with Hussain (PBUH), no matter what religion they have, will try to free
themselves from misfortune and obedience to any one except Allah (SWT) by
following Hussain’s (PBUH) path.

Ø Patience and strength:

Shiite Muslims and others who think about the events of
Ashura have learned from the patience of Imam Hussain (PBUH) such that in the
most difficult situations of their lives, they remember their beloved leader.
Therefore, they remain steadfast and patient in difficulties by remembering the
difficulties Hussain (PBUH) faced:

– Surrounded in the hot desert without any water, and
the river blocked for three consecutive days by the enemy.

– The killing of his six-month old infant son with an
arrow.

– The killing and subsequent mutilation of his young
son, who was the most similar in looks and moralities to Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH&HP).

Hussain (PBUH) never complained and did not stop thanking and
remembering Allah (SWT). This was the only way his broken heart could be healed.

Human demands for the teachings of Ashura are not only still
on the rise after many centuries, but they are increasing at a fast pace due to
the age of technology. One reason is that as humans quickly satisfy their
materialistic needs, they feel the need to improve their spiritual capabilities
as well. Such development can help them in their lives and take them closer to
the goal and purpose of life, that is, perfection and becoming closer to Allah
(SWT). The event of Ashura, nowadays, has such a critical responsibility. If
the people of 1300 years ago could not fully understand what Hussain Ibn Ali
(PBUT) had accomplished at that time, mankind today has more capability of
understanding what Hussain’s (PBUH) movement was all about. They have more to
ponder over at their own level of concentration. By comprehending the
philosophy of his movement, humans may be able to do something about the
present spiritual problems, such as their routine life and apathy toward their
Creator and the Resurrection Day.

Furthermore, one could contemplate the ceremonies held for
the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) (the household of the
Prophet (PBUH&HP)) by Shiite communities from a different point of view.

The human body is totally dependent upon its soul. Unlike the
materialistic part of the body, the soul is everlasting. That is why the
spiritual connection is deeper and more sophisticated than the physical or
materialistic connection. But when does a spiritual connection happen between
two distinct individuals? The answer is when they have the same
spiritual/divine values. The connection between Shiite Muslims and the
household of the Prophet (PBUH&HP) is a spiritual relationship, which is
much deeper and stronger than any materialistic relationship. Therefore, the
sad the tragic ceremonies that Shiite communities hold are absolutely logical,
since their spiritual relationship continues to exist, even though the souls of
those martyrs are not in this world. Allah (SWT) says: “Do not think of
those who are killed in the Way of Allah as dead. Nay, they are alive with
their Lord and receive sustenance from Him.” (The Holy Quran, 3:169). Thus
Shiites have a spiritual connection with their Imams (PBUH) even centuries
after their martyrdom, since they are alive and a spiritual relationship is
independent of time and place.

For the same reason Shiites cry and commemorate the martyrdom
of their beloved Imams (PBUT). There is an advantage to their tears. Crying is
a good means for increasing the love and care for a beloved one. So, crying and
weeping is a result of love and improves that love in its nature. This way the
people who sincerely love Allah (SWT) and Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) can escalate their
spiritual level and get closer to perfection. It is true that weeping is not
the only way to improve spirituality, but there lies a hidden point in weeping.
The presentation of real love and the proof of a claim of a lover is
demonstrated when the lover forgets every other one but his beloved. Indeed
weeping fulfills this mission in its best way; it also clears one’s mirror of
heart and prepares the heart for being influenced by the best humans in all of
creation.

Finally, the remembrance of Ashura and Imam Hussain’s (PBUH)
movement should be undertaken with logic and wisdom at all times. There are
many ideological and moral needs, which can be satisfied by understanding his
movement, which can lead to improvement of the spiritual life of the human
being, as well as avoid any possible superstitions.